When you see a full moon setting, it can be an amazing sight, and fun to capture, but when you take a photograph of it the moon can be rather disappointing. The reason for this, unknown to many, is that when you use a standard lens on your camera, it’s not capable of bringing the moon in close. If you want to bring the moon in, you are going to need a little zoom. My best zoom, that made it look close to what my eye saw, I had to go with a 300 mm lens.

In today’s photos, I decided to make the moon even more impressive, I used a 900 mm lens. The same effect can work with a setting sun.

Let me ask you something. Are you tired of being passed up for promotions; or are you part time, and just want to go full time? The harsh reality is life isn’t always fair, and you always get what you deserve, but you have to look at what is within your power to change, and what isn’t. In the case of those two questions, there are ways you can make them happen, but you are going to have to fight for it.

One of the things you can do is become versatile. Be the first to volunteer if another department needs help. You may not know what you are doing, but more than likely they will train you. If you apply yourself, listen to what they say, and do the job well, you will be the first person they ask when they need help in the future. This will have two very positive results. First, you will learn something new, and that will add to your list of credentials that you might need for a promotion. Second, it will show your supervisors that you are more than just reliable; but that you are also willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Another thing you can do is adhere to all attendance rules, and when possible, take advantage of opportunities. What do I mean by attendance rules? Punch in right at your scheduled time. If you punch in too early, you may be wandering around looking for something to do, and that just doesn’t look good to any supervisor. I usually stick to a five minute rule; never more than five minutes early, or late. As far as breaks are concerned, never punch in early, EVER. Try to keep your time exact, or if you can’t, try for within three minutes. This really looks good. If you can, don’t ever call out sick, unless you really. Calling out too often will be looked at as indifference to your job, and any sign of indifference can cause your boss to say, “You are the weakest link; bye, bye.”

What I mean by “take advantage of opportunities”, is seize opportunities to show that you want the job, and are willing to do what they need. If they offer overtime, take it. This will give them the help they need, and give you extra money on the paycheck. It’s a win/win situation, and you always want to look for those. If there is any opportunity you don’t want to take, it is the option of leaving early. When a supervisor says, “Once all the work is done you can cut out early.” Sometimes they are waiting to see who will stick it out. Remember, just because you have finished your assigned tasks doesn’t mean there isn’t work that can still be done. There is always work to do, and if not, you can be trained on something else.

The point is, be reliable, versatile, and seize opportunities when they arise. This will let your supervisors know you are serious about the job, and are worthy of every chance they give you.